When we got solar panels for our house, the estimate was 13 years to breakeven. We broke even in 7 years, partly due to excellent electricity production from the panels and higher than expected electricity prices. Solar's a win-win!
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@petergleick Unfortunately, vast numbers of homeowners have been badly burned by various solar firms, and changes in rules for utility power by-backs have done even more damage. The California home solar industry is viewed by many neutral observers as essentially nearly dead.
@lauren @petergleick
We don't sell to grid at all as that needs:
* More expensive electronics.
* Certified installer.
* Smart Meter and Direct Debit. We have a mechanical meter & pay cash at P.O. when bill (posted) is due.
So ours is a pair of DIY UPS systems. Most non-heat/non-cooking gear is on it 24x7. Batteries charge from Solar or Grid. Set to 80% in in Dec/Jan and 15% minimum spring to autumn.
Electricity bill nearly 1/2.
Indefinite backup summer, 12 hours in Dec/Jan during power cuts.
Is that really a bad sign? Given the cost advantage of larger scale PV compared to rooftop PV, it's not not obviously great when rooftop PV is financially attractive.
It implies that either the large scale PV is bottlenecked, or rooftop solar benefits from some pricing loophole
